16.02.2025 20:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed claims that Ukraine refused to sign a draft agreement that would transfer half of its rare earth elements to American companies in exchange for military support, despite U.S. insistence. He stated that the document should also provide security guarantees for his country, saying, "I did not agree to sign the agreement because we are not ready yet."
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a press conference as part of the Munich Security Conference (MSC 2025).
"UKRAINE MUST DECIDE WHO SITS AT THE NEGOTIATION TABLE"
Zelensky referred to possible negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war in his speech. Emphasizing that the war is ongoing in his country, Zelensky stated that the parties to sit at the possible table for ending the war should be determined by Ukraine. In his speech, Zelensky said, "Look, the war is not in the USA or the European Union, thank God, but unfortunately, the war is in Ukraine. Therefore, Ukraine must decide who sits at the negotiation table."
INVITED THE USA TO THE FRONT
Zelensky expressed that foreign troops should be deployed in Ukraine for his country's security guarantees and called on the USA to be present there. Reminding that the US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will visit Ukraine next week, Zelensky invited Kellogg to conduct inspections at the front.
"I DID NOT ALLOW THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT ON RARE EARTH ELEMENTS"
Zelensky also addressed claims in the press that he rejected to sign a draft agreement that foresaw transferring half of Ukraine's rare earth elements to US companies in exchange for military support, despite US insistence. He stated that work on the document is ongoing. Noting that the draft agreement is not yet ready in line with Ukraine's interests, Zelensky emphasized that the document should also provide security guarantees for his country, saying, "I did not agree to sign the agreement because it is not ready yet."
"REAL PEACE IS POSSIBLE"
On the other hand, Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people in a video message he shared at night, evaluating his contacts in Germany. Stating that he spoke on the phone with (US President Donald) Trump a few days ago and then met with senior US officials in Munich, Zelensky said, "We have started working with President Trump's team, and we believe that success is possible." He noted that achieving peace is possible with the contributions of the USA and Europe, stating, "Real peace is possible."
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